WORLD
China permits first batch of large companies to export rare earth minerals
- IBJ Bureau
- Dec 03, 2025
China has issued the first batch of new rare earth export licences that should accelerate shipments to certain customers. This development fulfils a key agreement that US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping had reached at a summit in late October.
The approvals come after months of disruption triggered by China’s introduction of rare earth export controls in April at the height of the trade war.
By forcing companies to apply for licences for each export, Beijing has created shortages that have brought parts of the auto supply chain to a halt and handed it enormous leverage in trade talks with Washington.
The new “general licences” are designed to ease that pressure by allowing more exports under year-long permits for individual customers.
Chinese magnet-maker JL Mag Rare Earth has received general licences for nearly all of its clients, while Ningbo Yunsheng and Beijing Zhong Ke San Huan High-Tech have secured licences for some of their clients.
The three companies and China’s Ministry of Commerce have not immediately responded to questions.
All the three companies sell to the automotive industry, among others, according to their websites. JL Mag has a subsidiary in Europe and Ningbo Yunsheng says that it has clients in Europe and the Americas.
The new licences will supplement, but not replace, the existing licensing regime. For now, only large Chinese rare earth companies are eligible for general licences, but the criteria could widen, if the roll-out proves successful.
Report By
View Reporter News